E-Paper
Where is the missing AK-47?
THOUGH THE sophisticated AK-47 rifle, that had gone missing in Naxal-affected Chakia in Chandauli district, is yet to be traced, officials maintain that it has so far not landed in Naxal hands. A high-level review meeting was held in the Naxal-affected Lateefshah area in Chandauli on Monday in the backdrop of the missing AK-47 rifle, that was allotted to the inspector in-charge of Chakia police station, Pradeep Singh Chandel. The cop is absconding along with the weapon. Officials said the meeting was held to review the situation in view of the movement of few Naxal groups in the district.
Whereabouts of absconding inspector unknown; Naxal movement visible in Chandauli
THOUGH THE sophisticated AK-47 rifle, that had gone missing in Naxal-affected Chakia in Chandauli district, is yet to be traced, officials maintain that it has so far not landed in Naxal hands.
A high-level review meeting was held in the Naxal-affected Lateefshah area in Chandauli on Monday in the backdrop of the missing AK-47 rifle, that was allotted to the inspector in-charge of Chakia police station, Pradeep Singh Chandel. The cop is absconding along with the weapon. Officials said the meeting was held to review the situation in view of the movement of few Naxal groups in the district.
The meeting, chaired by inspector general of police, Varanasi zone, AC Sharma, was attended among others by superintendent of police, Chandauli Praveen Kumar.
“The main purpose of conducting the meeting in Naxal-affected district was to review the situation arising after movement of a few Naxalite groups was noticed in the district. Instructions were given for forming a strategy to tackle this menace”, Sharma told HT on phone after the meeting.
He said a strong and dedicated team of policemen would deal with Naxalites and hardcore criminals in this district.
Asked if the issue of missing AK-47 rifle also figured in the meeting, the IG said he had discussed the issue with the SP Chandauli, who informed him that efforts were on to trace the rifle. Asked if the rifle had landed in Naxal hands, he said, “Till now it seems it has not”.
Though five officials, including station officer of Chakia police station, were dismissed from service a couple of days back, there is no trace of the missing AK-47 rifle for the last one month.
Surprisingly, the dismissed police officer used to carry three weapons—including two AK-47 rifles, which according to police sourcess, is not allowed. “Yes, the inspector used to carry three weapons which is against rules,” Praveen Kumar told HT.
“The dismissed inspector’s role was very irresponsible as he himself went missing. He has also made attempts to tamper official records”, the SP said.
